☀️ Do Metal Roofs Absorb More Heat?

At first glance, metal might seem like it would naturally absorb and trap heat. However, the truth is the opposite—metal roofing reflects solar radiant heat, unlike asphalt shingles, which tend to absorb and store it.

A properly installed metal roof with a reflective coating can lower surface temperature by up to 50°F compared to dark asphalt shingles.

What Actually Affects the Heat Inside Your Home?

A roof’s surface temperature doesn’t automatically translate into a hotter home. Several other factors matter:

✅ Color of the Roof: Light-colored metal roofs reflect more sunlight than darker ones.
✅ Reflective Coatings: Many metal roofing systems come with special coatings that improve solar reflectance.
✅ Ventilation & Insulation: A well-ventilated attic and quality insulation play a huge role in regulating your home’s indoor temperature.
✅ Underlayment: Advanced underlayment materials beneath your metal panels provide another layer of thermal protection.

️ Metal Roofs & Energy Efficiency

In summer, metal roofs reflect solar heat and reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. This can lead to:

  • Lower cooling costs

  • Reduced load on your HVAC system

  • Improved comfort indoors

In winter, metal roofs retain indoor heat just as well as any other material—especially with proper insulation.

So no, a metal roof won’t make your home hotter—in fact, it can keep your home cooler and more efficient when installed correctly.

The Tacoma Climate Factor

In Tacoma, where summers are mild-to-warm and winters are damp and cold, a metal roof with proper ventilation and underlayment can be a smart, long-term investment.
It offers:

  • Durability through wet seasons

  • Heat reflection during summer

  • Long-lasting protection from moss and algae (which thrive on asphalt)

✅ The Verdict

No, metal roofs do NOT make your home hotter.
When installed properly, they reflect sunlight, improve energy efficiency, and help keep your home comfortable year-round.

If you’re considering a metal roof in Tacoma and want to make sure it’s the right fit, we’re here to help.

Let’s Do It Right

At Do It Right Roofing, we specialize in metal roofing systems that are built for efficiency, durability, and comfort—tailored to the Pacific Northwest climate.

Need help deciding? Call us or try our Instant Roof Pricing Tool to get started today.